Louisville officer shot at Old National Bank gets key to city at retirement ceremony
Louisville Metro Police Officer Nick Wilt, who was seriously injured while responding to a mass shooting at Old National Bank in April 2023, was celebrated with a retirement ceremony Friday.
Several community leaders and Wilt’s family gathered at the ceremony at the Summit Wellness Center in Louisville. Wilt, who has undergone intense physical therapy and treatment since being shot in the head by the gunman, was presented a key to the city by Mayor Craig Greenberg.
“We are so thankful for your service for our community, we are thankful for the courage you showed on that horrific day in April and the determination you’ve shown every day since,” Greenberg said at the ceremony. “Your determination, your unbreakable spirit and the way that you’ve handled every challenge along the way since has inspired everyone here in Louisville and people all across the country and beyond.”
LMPD Chief Paul Humphrey gave Wilt his retirement credentials and an award for his service. Wilt graduated from the police academy just 10 days before the shooting.
“Nick, while your career is ending in a way that none of us would ever choose, what does not end today is your place in our family,” LMPD Assistant Chief Bryan Edelen said during the ceremony. “It does not change, it does not fade and it does not require a badge or a uniform. You are family.”
The gunman, Connor Sturgeon, shot and killed five people and injured several others at the bank he worked for. He ambushed Wilt and his training officer, Cory “CJ” Galloway when they responded to the scene, police said previously.
Wilt remained in critical condition for nearly a month after the shooting and stayed in the intensive care unit of the hospital for about two months. He was released from a rehabilitation center in late July 2023 and has continued to recover from home ever since.
“That healing journey is nothing short of a miracle,” Greenberg said.
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Officials highlighted Wilt’s strong mindset and determination towards his recovery during the retirement ceremony. His twin brother, Zack Wilt, said Nick starts every day by saying, “good morning, let’s conquer the day” instead of surrendering to self-pity.
“He is an incredible human being, and we’re thankful that the world gets to see how incredible he is, just not the way it happened,” Zack Wilt said. “We knew it from day one that Nick was an incredible person.”
Zack Wilt thanked all the people who have helped and shared positive messages during his brother’s recovery. Representatives from Delta Dental offered Nick Wilt free dental and vision insurance for life at the ceremony.
“Just know from the Wilt family, from everyone that has supported Nick, we see you and we hear from you, and we absolutely love that the support is there for Nick,” Zack Wilt said.
